PBPP: Thoughts on PPL Park, Le Toux

Seeing PPL Park previously on
television was one thing, but being there on Saturday to broadcast the game on
6abc was an even better experience. While HD is spectacular, nothing brings it all home as much as being
there in the stadium.

Looking down from the
television press box, the view is amazing. Seeing the Commodore Barry Bridge behind the goal with the
Delaware River below gives PPL Park a very unique look.

The game itself was a good
one. I was sure that Michael
Orozco Fiscal’s strong header was going to be enough and that Chris Seitz would finally get that elusive first shutout.

Toronto’s Chad Barrett had
other ideas, however, and for a while it looked like the same old story. One big mistake or letdown, one big
goal allowed.

As it turned out, the way the
game went was better for television and for the fans. Nothing more dramatic than a penalty kick goal moments
before the final whistle to seal the deal and give the Union three much needed and
certainly deserved points.

And who else would step up to
score the goal? It had to be
Sebastien Le Toux who is making purple shoes look more like gold. Forget about the goal and assist
that he scored in this game. How about his work rate for 90 minutes plus
stoppage time in incredible heat? Some may work as hard as he does (Alejandro Moreno), but no one outworks
Le Toux.

Good to see him recognized
again as the MLS Player of the Week, which he wins for the second time this
season.

Le Toux also received more
recognition when he was named to the MLS All Star team on Monday. You could surely argue that he could
have made the first XI that was announced last week, but let’s not
quibble. Bottom line is that he is
an All Star. So Le Toux gets
to see Manchester United twice in a short period of time. He will see them Wednesday at the Linc
when the Union take on this storied side and again next week at Reliant Stadium in Houston, as Manchester United is the opponent
for the MLS All Stars.

This is a good break for
Philadelphia with just the Manchester United game mid-week and nothing else
until July 31st at home vs New England. Injured players like Moreno, Roger Torres,
Shea Salinas and others will have some time to heal.

They will need everyone
healthy and contributing as they try to climb into the playoff race.